Delegate Bell's House Bills 1435 and 1885 Pass in the Senate.

Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) announced today that House Bills 1435 and 1885, bills patroned by Delegate Bell, have passed on the floor of the Senate.

House Bill 1435 provides that local school boards that choose to offer American Sign Language must grant credit for successful completion as a foreign language course. Additionally, public colleges and universities must allow American Sign Language to satisfy foreign language entrance requirements.

“I am very pleased to see House Bill 1435 pass in the Senate.” said Delegate Bell. “This legislation was very important to me, and will create a wide variety of educational opportunities for both hearing and deaf students.”

The bill was first referred to the Higher Education subcommittee, where it was reported out with a vote of 6-1. It then passed in the full Education Committee with a vote of 21-1. It passed on the floor of the House with a vote of 95-3. It was reported out of the Senate Committee on Education and Health with a vote of 11-4. Today it passed in the Senate with a vote of 34-6.

House Bill 1885, a bill that removes references to educational programs that have not been funded and do not exist and updates language in other sections to conform to current practice. This bill unanimously passed in the House of Delegates this week, and was reported out of the Senate Committee on Education and Health unanimously. Today it passed in the Senate with a unanimous vote as well.

Elected to the House of Delegates in 2009, Delegate Bell represents the 20th District, which includes Highland County, portions of Augusta and Rockingham Counties, and the City of Staunton.